Etsy's Handmade Blog
Etsy International: Cécile Guérard's Top 10 List
Story by cecileguerard, muka
Published on November 13, 2009 in Spotlight 		Photo by

cecileguerard

When Maria and I (Liz, a.k.a. muka) visited Paris earlier this year, we had the pleasure of meeting Cécile Guérard at a quaint office in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. She shared with us some wonderful ideas on how to grow Etsy in the French market and showed us a bit of her artwork. We enjoyed our visit very much and thought she'd be a wonderful contributor to The Storque. Translated from the French by lilyofdesert.

I paint from my house in Normandy, two hours from Paris, where I have a workshop; I see birds alight in my garden, I hear the ocean come and go. When I don't paint, I write. I'm made of a two-stroke engine, that's just the way it is! I like what is created, what is beautiful, what offers a meaning or brings surprises. Etsy is a wonderful place to find all of this! It's cheerful, simple, warm. I love to shop from one shop to another and I'm always a little bit moved afterward; our need to create new from chaos, to bring harmony into our lives, to surround ourselves with quality products — that's a whole philosophy in itself, my philosophy.

Painting and writing: I need these two life-sustainers, and they are bound together. Etsy defends and promotes handmade work, and this is as remarkable as it is necessary! Deciding what to do, creating things based on what we are, defining ourselves through our work — this is one of the paths to freedom, right? I just finished an exhibition, but you can find my paintings and my books on my blog and see the pretty things I like there.

Je peins dans ma maison en Normandie, à deux heures de Paris, où j'ai un atelier : je vois les oiseaux se poser dans le jardin, j'entends les allers et retours de la mer. Quand je ne peins pas, j'écris. J'ai un moteur à deux temps, c'est comme ça! J'aime ce qui se crée, est beau, a du sens ou surprend. Etsy est un
endroit merveilleux pour trouver tout cela ! C'est gai, simple, chaleureux. J'adore aller de boutiques en boutiques et j'en reviens toujours un peu émue: notre besoin de créer à partir du chaos, d'introduire de l'harmonie là où se déroule notre vie, de s'entourer d'objets de qualités: c'est toute une philosophie, ma philosophie.

Peinture et écriture : j'ai besoin de ces deux respirations et elles sont liées:  Etsy défend et valorise le travail manuel et ça c'est remarquable autant que nécessaire ! Décider de ce que l'on fait, créer à partir de ce que l'on est, se réaliser à travers son travail, c'est l'un des styles de la liberté, non? Je viens de terminer une exposition mais vous pouvez découvrir mes peintures et mes livres sur mon blog et retrouver les jolies choses qui me plaisent.


1. Hand Printed Cushion - Coussin imprimé à la main

Flowers or stars? I love this constellation with a color somewhere between green and yellow. A tasteful and original print. By kalla, $30.

Fleurs ou étoiles? J'aime cette constellation à la couleur indéfinie, entre vert et jaune. Une impression discrète et originale. By kalla, $30.


2. Oatmeal Fig Printed Napkins - Serviettes de table imprimées
These napkins are so sophisticated, like all the things from this Swedish seller. She celebrates the beautiful things in nature with perfect taste. By Lottahelleberg, $24.

Elles sont très raffinées comme tout ce que fait cette créatrice originaire de Suède qui célèbre les belles choses de la nature avec un goût parfait. By Lottahelleberg, $24.


3. Teal Buds - Pencil Case

An ideal size to store my pens, watercolor brushes, or my makeup, according to the mood of the day! By alliebeans, $17.

D'une taille idéale pour ranger mes feutres fins, mes pinceaux à aquarelles ou à maquillage selon l'humeur du jour! By alliebeans, $17.


4. And the sea erases - Photography - Et la mer efface - Photographie

I like the poetic work of this French photographer. This picture opens unknown territories: the sea deposits stars on the sand, and this makes me dream! By Labokoff, $28.

J'aime le travail poétique de cette photographe française. Cette image ouvre des territoires inconnus : la mer qui dépose des étoiles sur le sable, cela me fait totalement rêver! By Labokoff, $28.


5. Gold Wave Ring - Bague en or

This ring's a little rough but not too much, a little from elsewhere but no one knows where; I find this shape quite mysterious and ageless. By onestonenewyork, $100.

Une bague un peu brute mais pas trop, un peu venue d'ailleurs mais on ne sait d'où, je trouve cette forme assez mystérieuse, sans âge donc de tous les temps! By onestonenewyork, $100.


6. The Book Vase - Le livre vase

This object will disturb the order of your library. It makes you think about the meaning of words and writing. Cleverly, the designer has slipped flowers between the pages of the vase. By theshophouse, $44.

Cet objet vient troubler l'ordre de votre bibliothèque. Il fait réfléchir sur le sens des mots et de l'écriture. Astucieuse, la créatrice a glissé des fleurs entre les pages du vase. By theshophouse, $44.

7. Bird Keychain - Porte-clés oiseaux
These small birds delight me! You can hear them whistle in the depths of your purse. By inmybackyard, $8.

Ces petits oiseaux m'enchantent! On les entend siffler au fond de son sac. By inmybackyard, $8.


8. Porcelain Chicago Flag Cup - Tasse en porcelaine

These are so bright they'll make you start your day off right. By CircaCeramics, $35.

Elles sont lumineuses et vous font commencer la journée du bon pied. By CircaCeramics, $35.

9. Circular Handmade Paper Tags with Cotton Strings- Etiquettes en coton

These are appetizing and tender like macaroons! They would also be perfect for Christmas gifts. By artbynaomi, $4.75.

Ils sont appétissants et tendres comme des macarons ! En coton, à semer dans la maison ils seront aussi impeccables pour attribuer les cadeaux de Noël. By artbynaomi, $4.75.

10. Chelsea Flower Cards - Six Cartes fleuries

Such a good mood emanates from these cards. A cheerful and fresh creation that makes you want to write little notes to friends. By tamar, $12.

Quelle bonne humeur émane de ces cartes. Une création fraîche et joyeuse qui donne envie d'écrire des petits mots à ses amis. By tamar, $12.

Guest Curators | Etsy International | Gifts for the World Traveler
Tags bilingual, bloggers, cecile guerard, Cécile Guérard, Etsy International, Europe, francais, France, French, shopping, Spotlight, Top 10 Lists, Top Ten Lists
All articles in Spotlight
Seller Items
Related Items
This article was reported by:
cecileguerard
shop . profile . contact

Etsy Admin
muka
shop . profile . contact

97 comments     Login to add your own!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. thebestvintage

Beautiful painting...
beautiful selection of Etsy items!!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. LazyTcrochet

Thank you for sharing. You have a beautiful blog. Love these choices, especially the porcelain cups.

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. ThePaperTray

Great article and beautiful picks!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:27 a.m. Krystyna81

Precious selection! Inspirational colors :)

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. LaveMeSoapCo

lovely picks!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. VintageEye

Gorgeous!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. 23rdstreetvintage

nice nice nice nice nice yum

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. AmandaSainsbury

Love them!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. MonikaDesign

I miss Europe when I see article like that...very beautiful painting and great choice of Etsy items!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. CarryTheWord

really pretty things!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. EpicBones

love the featured paintings!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. sherrytruitt

simply lovely calming picks

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:40 a.m. spacejam

wonderful!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:44 a.m. Ayca

Love them !

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:50 a.m. masaoms

I love the choices, some are my favourites too!! ;-)

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:52 a.m. outofline

Beautiful!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:56 a.m. evgie

It is like a true art... sense of taste

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:57 a.m. oldworldprimitives

Beautiful selections!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:57 a.m. MiniatureRhino

i thank etsy for introducing me to shops around the world and now i have the nicest etsy friends all over, in france, canada, europe! so amazing!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:59 a.m. vivikas

I love everything here!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:59 a.m. Fairyfolk

Just lovely... so calming and peaceful.
Blessings and magic.

Nov. 13, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. candythomasgourdart

love the article.great picks too.

Nov. 13, 2009 at 11:18 a.m. NottyPooch

Lovely! Love the bird key ring!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 11:18 a.m. NottyPooch

Lovely! Love the bird key ring!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 11:26 a.m. MelroseFields

Et La Mer Efface is Lovely

Nov. 13, 2009 at 11:27 a.m. girltuesdayjewelry

I'm enjoying Cecilé's artwork and her ethereal etsy picks!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 11:36 a.m. craftpile

Love it all!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. bylynnkrestel

what a sweet article -
what a peaceful trip!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. SewnNatural

Your studio looks lovely, thanks for sharing these beautiful picks.

Nov. 13, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. VeraVague

c'est tres jolie (et je comprends vos français aussi!)

Nov. 13, 2009 at 11:52 a.m. peaseblossomstudio

Oh my goodness, these are gorgeous! French Etsians are very talented, indeed.

Nov. 13, 2009 at 11:54 a.m. AnnyMay

Félicitation! Très belle boutique!
Pour joindre notre équipe francophone:
http://etsyfrenchhandmade.blogspot.com

Nov. 13, 2009 at 12:03 p.m. sweetgorgeousthings

wow! love it

Nov. 13, 2009 at 12:11 p.m. twoknit

I miss going to France every year .
Great choices !!!!!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 12:53 p.m. rosebudshome

I am jealous a workshop in Normandy!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 12:55 p.m. DalkullanJewelry

I love France, especially Paris!
Those Chicago mugs are so pretty.

Nov. 13, 2009 at 1:01 p.m. littlemoandfriends

beautiful ring, love the unique shape:)

Nov. 13, 2009 at 1:06 p.m. BranchandBirdie

What a lovely selection!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 1:24 p.m. WoodPigeon

Very pretty!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 1:24 p.m. BlueTerracotta

J'adore le coussin de kala ainsi que les étiquettes en coton! Bel article, merci de la visite de votre atelier :)

Nov. 13, 2009 at 1:46 p.m. FairyBubbles

ooooooo I like these:)

Nov. 13, 2009 at 1:49 p.m. recycledwares

nice choices with a very elegant but simple look to them.

Nov. 13, 2009 at 1:53 p.m. WoollyWonka

Tres joli choix d'articles! Merci!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 1:54 p.m. WoollyWonka

Tres joli choix d'articles, merci!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 1:56 p.m. redyellowandblueink

Very nice article, thanks.

Nov. 13, 2009 at 1:58 p.m. redyellowandblueink

WOW, I'm guessing-but did I just say the exact same thing as WoollyWonka but in english?

Nov. 13, 2009 at 1:59 p.m. ArtisticIntentions

Beautiful paintings, and scenery! Very nice items, too. I love the wave ring.

Nov. 13, 2009 at 2:05 p.m. IsabellablueStudio

I love the book vase!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 2:07 p.m. IsabellablueStudio

I love the book vase!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 2:26 p.m. wristielove

thx cecile and muka your work is beautiful!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. guymelamed

these are brilliant! especially love the book vase!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 3:49 p.m. asundrynotion

It's all so beautiful! Thank you Cecile & Muka!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 6:05 p.m. 1AEON

neat! thanks Cecile!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 6:20 p.m. littlealouette

lovely!!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 6:29 p.m. tomatored

Great pics-love the leaf printed napkins

Nov. 13, 2009 at 7:17 p.m. fairyberry

Magnifique! Moi aussi j' veux habiter pres de l'ocean!
What a pleasure to discover other French artists and it is an honor to be featured amongst them! Merci beaucoup! ;-)

Nov. 13, 2009 at 7:20 p.m. shellsherree

Thank you for this lovely insight into Cécile. Her picks are gorgeous and very French, which I love.

Nov. 13, 2009 at 7:23 p.m. shellsherree

Thank you for the lovely introduction to Cécile ~ and I'm charmed by her beautiful picks.

Nov. 13, 2009 at 8:49 p.m. anemonecomms

great selection! i love that gold ring, so simple yet so pretty

Nov. 13, 2009 at 10:54 p.m. tanglesastangled

I'm in love with the sea and star photograph, as well as the book vase, thank you so much Cécile, Hurray Etsy France!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 11:01 p.m. rebeccasanchez

ooh la la

Nov. 13, 2009 at 11:04 p.m. Iammie

Neat!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 11:06 p.m. JesseMosher

elegant

Nov. 14, 2009 at 12:59 a.m. Serrelynda

NICE the fig leaf towel delights me.

Nov. 14, 2009 at 2:33 a.m. madamehoux

Hi Cecile , you are living wonderfull place, Normandie c est magnifique !!!!

I like all....

You are very WELLCOM

Nov. 14, 2009 at 6:40 a.m. steinschmuckdesign

Absolutely Fantastic!!

Nov. 14, 2009 at 8:49 a.m. elisasherejewelry

Love this charming feature! Thanks for featuring my necklace and LOVE all the items featured.

Nov. 14, 2009 at 9:20 a.m. BeautyOnTheFire

hehe nice items!!!

Nov. 14, 2009 at 9:23 a.m. pinkbeeb0

The gold wave ring shows off the beauty of simplicity

Nov. 14, 2009 at 9:41 a.m. QuiltFinger

Beautiful picks!

Nov. 14, 2009 at 10:59 a.m. jbeaudet

Those are beautiful paintings! They are so simple but convey such feeling. Everything is beautiful!

Nov. 14, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. TheIrishBearCo

The colored cards are beautiful, your right just like macaroons. Delicate and lovely.

Nov. 14, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. ImagineStudio

J'aime votre expression artistic!

Nov. 14, 2009 at 5:09 p.m. ImagineStudio

J'aime votre expression artistic!

Nov. 14, 2009 at 7:08 p.m. munieca

Lovely selection Cecile!

Nov. 14, 2009 at 8:48 p.m. MoonstarGifts

Thank you for sharing!

Nov. 15, 2009 at 1:51 a.m. cassidycay

Beautiful items!

Nov. 15, 2009 at 2:32 a.m. emmasommerfeld

that's what I love most on etsy - knowing artists from all over the world! Thanks!

Nov. 15, 2009 at 9:04 a.m. blueskyclouds

This was a little window to somewhere else. Very refreshing!

Nov. 15, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. sharonclancydesigns

Gorgeous items, very Zen feeling here. Thanks!

Nov. 15, 2009 at 11:01 a.m. ShimmeringSky

Your selections are lovely Cecile, and speak to your exquisite taste. Your paintings are lovely as well, thank you for sharing your choices with us!

Vos sélections sont jolie Cecile et parlent à votre goût exquis. Vos peintures sont jolies aussi, le merci pour partager vos choix avec nous!

Nov. 15, 2009 at 11:44 a.m. mykonos

beautiful work!!

Nov. 15, 2009 at 7:59 p.m. ZenDotStudio

something very calming and peaceful both in the artwork and in the other items picked. Makes me take a deep breath and relax

Nov. 15, 2009 at 8:34 p.m. CircaCeramics

Thank you for being an artist, for sharing your thoughts,
and for choosing our cups along with all of these lovely pieces! :) - Nancy + Andy

Nov. 15, 2009 at 9:23 p.m. emcee

loved the chelsea flower cards...

Nov. 15, 2009 at 9:23 p.m. emcee

loved the chelsea flower cards...

Nov. 16, 2009 at 11:42 a.m. FerntreeStudio

Awesome.

Nov. 16, 2009 at 3:37 p.m. LadyLuLus

LOVE the items!

Very beautiful picks!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. LadyLuLus

LoVe the items!

GrEaT Picks!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 10 p.m. gilstrapdesigns

You picked a good selections of items.

Nov. 17, 2009 at 1:33 a.m. spoonfulzine

very stylish and controlled colour pallette...

spoonful.
x

Nov. 17, 2009 at 7:38 a.m. glorioushats

lovely philosophy and beautiful picks.

Nov. 20, 2009 at 5:52 p.m. lisafitts1

so great and creative!

Nov. 21, 2009 at 7:12 p.m. funkeyfinds

such serene finds! its like a lovely dream in here!

Nov. 29, 2009 at 9:58 a.m. nowonder

the book vase is stuning!

Dec. 1, 2009 at 12:57 p.m. 1022SeaShellAve

Lovely!

Dec. 6, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. violavintage

What beautiful paintings and lovely etsy finds. I miss life in France. It is so much quieter than life back in England.

Previous Page | Next Page